Laredo, Texas, population just under 200,000, is one of the major international crossings along the U.S./Mexico border and is known as the Gateway to Mexico. It is a short 150-mile drive from San Antonio. San Agustin de Laredo was established on the north bank of the…Read More

Laredo, Texas, population just under 200,000, is one of the major international crossings along the U.S./Mexico border and is known as the Gateway to Mexico. It is a short 150-mile drive from San Antonio.

San Agustin de Laredo was established on the north bank of the Rio Grande by a Spanish land grant on May 15,1755. It began with eleven families, 100 head of cattle, 125 mules, 712 horses and herds of sheep and goats. During the Spanish-Mexican period the Texas Cowboy was born and the first Texas cattle drive took place along the San Antonio-Laredo road in the 18th century.

Laredo survived Comanche and Apache Indian raids, dictatorships, revolutions, annexation, and civil war. Throughout its history, Laredo has been under rule by seven different flags. It has immerged as a vibrant and culturally diverse city.

We had traveled to Laredo many times with out-of-state guests to give them a taste of ole Mexico, but never before took the time to get to know the city of Laredo. A good place to start is in one of its five historic plazas. Plazas are highly defined areas, fitting nicely into the planned street grids, and usually bounded by churches or government buildings.

One of the more romantic aspects of the plazas was the custom of the Sunday paseo (promenade) of young people, always under the watchful eye of chaperones. Forming a circle inside a circle, males would circulate in one direction, females in the opposite direction, giving each party a chance to size up the other.

We started at San Agustin Plaza adjacent to the Old Mercado Historic District. Walking along the old streets of Laredo such as Flores, Salinas, Juarez, Hidalgo, Faragut, Zaragoza and Matamores you can really get the "feel" of Laredo. The small shops, narrow streets, the citizens of Laredo enjoying the plazas and parks, and the street vendors reveal this city as a interesting place and one worth getting to know.

Our only disappointment was that the Heritage Trolley Tours of Historic Laredo was not offered the weekend we were there because of a local celebration. The tour features a turn-of-the-century trolley ride through the historic districts. It begins in the San Agustin Plaza and visits the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum, the Old Mercado commercial district, the Victorian St. Peter’s District and Fort McIntosh. The tour usually lasts two hours; is offered Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. and on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. and are offered in Spanish and English. Costs is $8.00 adults and $4.00 for children. Contact Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau (956) 795-2200 or the Heritage Foundation at (956) 727-0977.

Any U.S. citizen can cross the Mexican border without a permit or visa as long as you are not traveling more than 26 miles into the country. Your driver’s license will usually be adequate but it is suggested that you also carry proof of citizenship…Read More

Any U.S. citizen can cross the Mexican border without a permit or visa as long as you are not traveling more than 26 miles into the country. Your driver’s license will usually be adequate but it is suggested that you also carry proof of citizenship such as your birth certificate or a passport.

Harry and I prefer not to drive our vehicle into Mexico and parked at one of the several public parking areas located at Salinas Avenue and Water Street near the International Bridge #1. Cost of parking is about $5.00 for 3 to 4 hours. From the parking area, it is a short walk to the International Bridge. Both counties collect a small toll as you enter. Entering into Mexico I think we each paid 50 cents and about the same returning. If you purchase liquor in Mexico, you will have to pay a small duty on returning to the U.S. International Bridge #1 is the only crossing that allows pedestrian traffic. After crossing the border you will be on Guerrero Street, which is the main shopping area of Nuevo Laredo.

You can drive across either International Bridge #1 or #2 and pay a small toll per vehicle. There are several parking lots in the shopping area along Guerrero Street. If you drive across the border and park on the street instead of in a parking lot, you will probably be approached by someone offering to "watch" your car for you. LET THEM! Tell them you will pay them when you return. A few dollars will make them happy and protect your vehicle at the same time.

Driving in Mexico is a challenge and I would not recommend it. Many of the narrow streets are one-way and there is no right-turn-on-red. While walking, remember that pedestrians usually do not have the right-of-way.

The worst part of driving in Mexico is waiting in line to return to the U.S. As we walked past cars that had obviously been waiting quite a while, we were glad that we chose to be pedestrians

Be careful what you bring back and be sure to declare your purchases when asked. While shopping, we were approached by at least 10 people wanting to sell us medications and diet pills. Although these items are much cheaper there, it is not a good idea. Diet pills will be confiscated at the border crossing and you would be facing a fine. Also, don’t try to cross into the U.S. with weapons of any kind, fruits or vegetables, meat products, birds or exotic animals. Ten percent of all vehicles crossing the border are searched.

It is not necessary to exchange dollars for pesos, as almost all vendors and shops prefer U.S. dollars and you will see items priced in U.S. dollars. Most hotels and restaurants accept major credit cards.

Following a few simple rules and using good judgment will make your trip into Mexico a comfortable and safe experience.

Who would think that a visitor’s center/ rest stop/ roadside park could ever warrant an entry in our travel journal? - but then, this one is different. Located at Exit 18 on Interstate 35, just 12 miles from Laredo, Texas, this visitor’s center is…Read More

Who would think that a visitor’s center/ rest stop/ roadside park could ever warrant an entry in our travel journal? - but then, this one is different. Located at Exit 18 on Interstate 35, just 12 miles from Laredo, Texas, this visitor’s center is one you have to see to believe.

Approaching it, my first thought was that is was a resort, but the signs said Rest Area which in this part of the country translates to bathroom stop. Following the long winding entrance, we approached this beautiful oasis.

The undisputed centerpiece of the Visitor’s Center is a magnificent sculpture of the State of Texas, created by Armando Flores in 1999. Beyond the outline of Texas is a beautifully landscaped water park and picnic area. There are waterfalls, water gardens and walkways leading visitors through this tranquil oasis. Of course, everything is handicapped accessible. There are individual and private covered picnic areas, providing shade from the Texas sun. Native river bottom rock in pinks, greens and purple tones substitute for grassy areas. Desert plants thrive in this environment. Mexican tile line some of the pools and retainer walls, pink and blue stucco shelters and red tile roofs leave visitors with no doubt where they are.

Uniformed professional bilingual travel counselors who staff the Center offer free services to all visitors. They helped us with maps and information about activities in Laredo. In addition, there are maps and brochures about every tourist site in Texas. Oh, by the way, clean restrooms and vending machines are also available.

We strolled along the pathways, enjoying the pools of water, the beautiful vegetation and landscaping but had to remind ourselves that this was NOT our destination, but merely a "rest stop" along the way.